A document may need to be translated, corrected, compared with an existing translation or adapted for another audience. Using the right term helps assess volume, skills, references and controls required.
Translation changes language
Translation produces a target text from a source text. It should consider meaning, audience, register, terminology and intended use without adding information absent from the source.
Correction improves text within its language
Correction addresses spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and certain inconsistencies. Its level should be defined: light correction, in-depth correction or broader editorial work.
Revision compares and checks
In translation, revision generally compares target and source texts to check meaning, terminology, omissions and consistency. It should not be confused with simple typographical proofreading.
Localisation adapts to context of use
Localisation may adapt formats, conventions, examples, units, interfaces or references for a defined audience. Every adaptation should respect rights, meaning and agreed approvals.
Choose the right scope
Prepare the source and target languages, audience, content type, format, reference version, control level, available terminology and final use. The selected combination depends on this information.
Key points
- Translation means moving from one language to another.
- Correction works on the quality of an existing text.
- Revision checks; localisation adapts to context.